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Thu
Feb 16
2012

OCF Holdings Presents Projects to ZBA, Will Now Wait Patiently For Decision

Yesterday, OCF Holdings presented two projects to the Zoning Board of Adjustments: A proposal for a mixed-use development at the corner of Point Breeze Ave. & Titan St., and a proposal for a coffee shop at 2001 Federal St.

PB and Titan

Cafe rendering at 2001 Federal St.

Over two dozen people showed up in support of the project, and perhaps a dozen showed up in opposition.

With regard to the Point Breeze and Titan project, the developer’s attorney carefully laid out the hardships that necessitated the zoning variances, and a couple of people spoke in support of the larger commercial space, and praised the developer for “bending over backwards to meet the needs of the community.” Opponents of the project protested because of possible parking issues, the ills of gentrification in general, a belief that the developer is a lousy individual, a preference for a medical center at the site instead of a mixed use property with a pharmacy, and a preference for single family homes rather than apartments.

By the time the coffee shop proposal was brought before the board, it was close to 5pm (the hearings began at 2pm, but all other items on the docket were heard before the Point Breeze cases). Opponents of this project protested a lack of engagement of the community, warned against the possibility that increased traffic could impede efforts of the police and fire department across the street and possibly put lives at risk, and stated a belief that a coffee shop would provide cover for the opening of a beer-selling operation to open at a later time, a la Brew.

For audio of these hearings, click here (With thanks to PBResident). Definitely some choice cuts in there.

As the coffee shop hearing concluded, it was clear that the ZBA had definitely had its fill of several of the opponents of these projects, warning at least one of the individuals that they would be asked to leave the room if they continued their behavior. The ZBA is holding the record open for these cases for two weeks, allowing Councilman Johnson time to comment on the projects.

What will Councilman Johnson say? Nobody knows. Will he give credence to people who oppose the projects for reasons that have nothing to do with zoning? Will he give consideration to people who support the projects because they believe they will improve the neighborhood? Nobody knows.

How much of an effect will his opinion have on the ZBA decision? Again, nobody knows.

If you live in Point Breeze and wish to express your views on the project, you can email the Councilman or send a fax his office at (215) 686-1932. You can also email the ZBA, just make sure you mention Calendar Number 17104 (PB & Titan) and Calendar Number 17105 (Coffee Shop). If you support the projects, you can sign a petition here.

You may ask, why does the district councilperson play such a large role in neighborhood zoning issues? It’s because Philadelphia abides by councilmanic prerogative, an unwritten law that gives district councilpeople tremendous power over land-use issues within their districts.

Somehow, most other major cities in our fine country have found a way to operate without local politicians acting as arbiters for hyper-local zoning issues. Isn’t that weird?

Disclosure: OCF Realty is the parent company of OCF Holdings and Naked Philly

16
COMMENTS
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Posted in Point Breeze | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments
  • Tina

    PB resident for 15 years.  I really hope these projects go through.

  • Joelhommes

    Keep fighting the good the fight, Ori.  As a PB resident, I really appreciate the BS you are putting yourself/company through in order to make what should be a home-run of a positive impact.

  • PBResident

    PBResident for 5 years.  I really hope these projects go through.

    Michael Parker

  • http://twitter.com/LovelyPatricio Patricio DeGouveia

    I for the life of me can’t figure out why any rational person would be so vehemently against such modest, positive projects such as these?  Remember, I said rational. 

  • GP

    We’re in the process of buying a house in PB right now and i REALLY hope those projects go through. I’d rather circle for parking a few times and know that when I find a spot, there will be a new cafe to go to and more people walking around in general than find parking right away late at night and walk from my car through barren streets where no one would be around to help me, should I need it.

  • igs

    I was unable to attend yesterday but I have written an email to the Coucilman and the ZBA to express my support of these two projects.  Best of luck!!!

  • Alisonsjennings

    I’m in the process of drafting an e-mail, but having some difficulty. Should I keep it short and sweet and just say, “I’m a resident and I support this” or should I go into a bit more detail…? Thoughts, suggestions?

  • Ali Jennings

    I changed my mind. Short and sweet it is. They’re probably getting a lot of e-mails at the moment.

  • Ali Jennings

    Petition in support of this development project has now been posted.
    http://pointbreezephilly.org/petition/

  • http://planphilly.com/eyesonthestreet/2012/02/16/point-breeze-starts-new-zoning-committee-to-mend-broken-process/ Point Breeze starts new zoning committee to mend broken process

    [...] Wednesday I went to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) hearing to follow the still-developing saga of OCF Realty’s development at Point Breeze Avenue and Titan Street, as well… (No news yet.) And, as I’ve written before, the debate over these projects has to do with the [...]

  • Guest

    Reparations! 

  • MIchael Giuda

    Well I was able to attend both the civic meeting and the zoning board hearing. It is crazy with all the past controversy between south Philadelphia homes civic group and all new development in this neighborhood that the Mayor did not assign someone from his office to take part in all of these meetings. In addition the poor representation from councilman Johnsons office and his excuse that he did not have enough time to review the plans Was a disgrace to the people who elected him to his newly elected position. We could only hope this is not an example how he will react to the entire 2nd district when asked to help with issues. I have attended many civic and zoning meetings throughout the first and 2nd district throughout my 27 years living in south Philadelphia ,all handled with much more class and support from it’s past council persons.On A positive note I would like to thank ocf Realty and it’s affiliates for enduring all of the controversy and financial risk that it is taking for the betterment of point breeze.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ori-Feibush/8213741 Ori Feibush

    The Zoning Board of Adjustments is waiting for City Council to weigh in.  The two week window given by the ZBA on 2/15 appears to be more of a recommendation than anything.  Please continue to reach out to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and City Council regarding these projects as they continue to keep the record open for additional input.

  • JP

    I am for both projects, and i know if Council women Anna Verna were here she would approved these projects for the positve affect it would have on our community and the money it would generate for the city.

  • http://nakedphilly.com/point-breeze/massive-residential-development-planned-in-point-breeze/ Massive Residential Development Planned in Point Breeze | NakedPhilly

    [...] We know, it’s tough to believe that someone could be planning something more exciting than a mixed-use development property with a pharmacy on Point Breeze Ave. or 18 new construction LEED units on 16th and Moore Sts., but one could certainly make the argument [...]

  • http://nakedphilly.com/point-breeze/appeals-could-set-back-point-breeze-development/ Appeals Could Set Back Point Breeze Development | NakedPhilly

    [...] in February, OCF Holdings presented two projects to the ZBA which garnered both significant support and opposition. First, the developer presented a mixed-use development at the corner of Point Breeze & Titan, [...]

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